Here's an example to illustrate the proposition that, when couples can negotiate, no-fault and mutual consent lead to the same number of divorces. John would be willing to pay $7 to stay married; his wife, Mary, would be willing to pay $5 for a divorce. Meanwhile, Tom would be willing to pay $12 for a divorce; his wife, Gerri, would be willing to pay $10 to stay married. If everyone lives in a no-fault state, Mary and Tom can both threaten to walk away from their marriages. But John can offer Mary $6 (or the equivalent in other concessions) to stick around. No such deal is possible between Tom and Gerri; her top offer of $10 won't meet his minimum asking price of $12. Net result: John and Mary stay married; Tom and Gerri get divorced. On the other hand, if everyone lives in a mutual consent state, John and Gerri can threaten to hold their marriages together. But Tom can pay Gerri $11 for a divorce. No such deal is possible between John and Mary; her top offer of $5 won't meet his minimum asking price of $7. Net result: John and Mary stay married; Tom and Gerri get divorced--exactly the same result we'd get under no-fault.